British GP Might Lose 2010 Spot?

The fear of Formula One losing the British Grand Prix in 2010 has again made the headlines in the UK in recent days. Following Donington Park's inability to secure the funding for updating their facilities for the 2010 British Grand Prix, the only solution for the race to be kept alive was moving it back to Silverstone.

However, according to a source brought to light by British newspaper The Guardian, is seems that Ecclestone's current talks with the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC are owners of the Northamptonshire based circuit) are at a very “delicate stage.”

It's no news that the relationship between the 78-year old Brit and the members of the BRDC is far from close, especially after the election of former F1 champion Damon Hill at the helm of the aforementioned body. In addition, Ecclestone told the media a number of times that F1 would not suffer very much from a potential loss of the British Grand Prix.

Also, as reported by the same newspaper, Donington Park actually came up with the 12 million (pounds sterling) to pay the Formula One Management for the hosting of the 2010 British Grand Prix, but Ecclestone wants to hear nothing of it.

“It is understood Ecclestone's negotiations with Silverstone have intensified in recent days and it seems clear that the 79-year-old billionaire has given up on the race taking place at Donington. Nobody wants to talk about it for fear of jeopardizing any possible deal. Negotiations are at a very delicate stage,” said the source, cited by the aforementioned newspaper.

The British Grand Prix has been included in the 2010 Formula One calendar but, as we all know, the schedule is subject to change until the very last weeks of the off season break.